playing gooseberry
Unwanted romantic chaperone
Playing gooseberry is being the unwanted third person in the company of a couple who would rather be alone together.
The gooseberry is the awkward extra who intrudes on romantic privacy: I felt like I was playing gooseberry on their date.
Chiefly British.
- third wheelExtra person with couple
- chaperoneProtective adult companion
- date nightCouple's planned outing
- love birdsInfatuated romantic pair
- odd one outItem unlike the rest
spare tire · tagging along · awkwardness · tagalong · awkward silence · embarrassment · self-consciousness · resignation · uninvited guest · interloper · observer · bystander · discomfort · exclusion · social outcast · jealousy · matchmaker · loneliness
social belonging in romantic contexts
playing gooseberrydouble dating
Two couples socializing together
play, playing, played, plays, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness